Trust in the Lord

Thanks Brian for Trust a Must for Leaders series of articles, especially about Servant Leadership.

Now that I have been on board with Crossroads Career for this first month, I am really having a blast.  The quick report includes setting up new office. Starting Ministry Ventures program with Overview. Working closely with core team Cory and Judy plus board members Tim, Dave and Brian. Beginning to connect with member ministry leaders – many more to go.  Praying a lot, getting time in God’s word and trusting in the Lord every day!

Trust in the Lord

My primary study Bible resembles a filing cabinet almost as much as it does a book.  I decided when I got this Bible that I was REALLY going to use this one.  All sorts of notes are scribbled in the margins, pictures are crammed in between the pages, cards, notes and study outlines are stuffed inside the back cover.

One is a small scrap of paper that my Grandfather placed in a Bible he and my grandmother gave me when I was about 13.  Like most 13 year old boys, I didn’t open that Bible much.  As a matter of fact, I only found the small note “Papa Jack” had placed inside many years after he died.  His handwritten note has become the foundation of my faith…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will

make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

I’ll be honest with you.  I don’t know that I’d ever read these verses until I found this note when I was in my late 20’s.

As a 13 year old boy, there is absolutely no reason not to lean on your own understanding.  You already know everything!!   Nearing age 50, I finally have come to understand how little I do understand.  I also am convinced that living out these two simple verses in every facet of life is a major key to success, happiness and pleasing God.

Sounds simple, right?  Well, consider this question.  Do you worry?  Ever?  About anything?  Do you worry that you won’t find a job or perhaps that you won’t find the right job?  I remember hearing a long time ago that worry is a sin.  That really bothered me.  I had to put some serious thought into it.  I could only come up with four reasons we worry.

1. We don’t think He is big enough, strong enough, powerful enough.
2. We don’t trust that God wants what’s best for us.
3. We don’t think we can handle the situation.
4. We are just inclined to be negative and to worry.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving.  The key to straightening the path for your life is right there in Proverbs 3:5-6.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.   I’m not trying to beat you down here, but please be honest with yourself on this.  It does not say to tell people you trust in the Lord.  It is a command to do it!  It also doesn’t say trust in the Lord only when you can’t figure it out on your own.  It says DO NOT lean on your own understanding.  In theory, the premise is quite simple.

 Trust God with your job search and don’t try to figure it out yourself. 

Don’t worry about it.  God will take care of it.

For more about trusting the Lord and acknowledging Him in your job search, career development and God’s calling, take a look at my book, Straightening the Path: A Unique Approach for Job Seekers. 

Acknowledge Him

Now that the Lord has called me to this ministry, more than anything else, I must trust in the Lord above anyone or anything else.  I pray for your prayers to follow the Lord as He straightens the path, one step at a time.

Finally, I would love to hear from each of you who have read this far.  Tell me about your trusting in the Lord!